The event marked the first time since the space shuttle fleet's retirement that a spaceship made in the USA linked up with the space station, and the first arrival of a private-sector ship at an orbital destination. If NASA has its way, this is what American spaceflight will look like for years to come. So take a good look at these pictures from the first Dragon flight to the space station. You'll be seeing a lot more like them.

NASA via Reuters

The SpaceX Dragon commercial cargo craft is seen with part of the International Space Station in the foreground as it holds its position 30 meters (98 feet) away.

NASA via Reuters

Flight controllers at SpaceX Mission control in Hawthorne, Calif., work with the International Space Station crew as the Dragon commercial cargo craft goes through tests in advance of its capture and berthing.

NASA TV

The thermal imager on SpaceX's Dragon cargo craft provided this image of the International Space Station from 250 meters away.